Erik Spoelstra’s family story combines basketball, Filipino heritage and several generations connected to professional sports. Born Erik Jon Spoelstra on November 1, 1970, in Evanston, Illinois, the longtime Miami Heat head coach is the son of former NBA executive Jon Spoelstra and Elisa Caridad Celino, who was born in the Philippines. Erik also has one […]
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Andrew Wiggins comes from one of Canada’s most accomplished sporting families. Born Andrew Christian Wiggins on February 23, 1995, in Toronto, Ontario, the Miami Heat forward is the son of former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins and Canadian Olympic sprinter Marita Payne-Wiggins. He grew up with five siblings: brothers Nick and Mitchell Jr. and sisters Stephanie, […]
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Klay Thompson comes from one of the most athletic families in American professional sports. Born Klay Alexander Thompson on February 8, 1990, the NBA star is the son of former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Mychal Thompson and former college volleyball player Julie Thompson. He is the middle of three sons, with older brother […]
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Dru Smith’s family has remained an important part of his journey from Evansville, Indiana, to the NBA. Born Dru Hildry Smith on December 30, 1997, the Miami Heat guard is the son of Kendra Giles and Leonard Smith. He also grew up with siblings, including brothers Jaxon Giles and Daveon Smith, while his stepfather, Lavarus […]
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Nick Richards’ family played a major role in the sacrifices that carried him from Kingston, Jamaica, to college basketball at Kentucky and eventually the NBA. Born Nicholas Richards on November 29, 1997, the Jamaican center was raised by his mother, Marion Tenn, whom he has repeatedly identified as the person who influenced his life the […]
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Lester Quiñones’ family and multicultural background have played an important role in his journey from Brentwood, New York, to professional basketball. Born on November 16, 2000, Quiñones grew up on Long Island and developed his love for basketball partly through workouts with his father. His family roots extend to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and […]
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Bobby Portis Jr.’s family story is closely connected to the determination that helped him reach the NBA. Born on February 10, 1995, the veteran forward was raised primarily in Little Rock, Arkansas, by his mother, LaTina “Tina” Edwards. He is the oldest of four brothers and has frequently described his mother and younger siblings as […]
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Davion Mitchell’s family has been an important part of his journey from Hinesville, Georgia, to becoming an NBA guard. Born Davion De’Monte Earl Mitchell on September 5, 1998, the Miami Heat player is the son of Lakisha Mitchell and Earl Legette. His mother, grandmother and uncles were especially influential during his childhood and early basketball […]
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Bez Mbeng comes from a large family in Potomac, Maryland, and basketball is already becoming part of the family story. Born on May 2, 2003, the Miami Heat guard grew up with several brothers, including fellow college basketball player Isaiah Mbeng. Public family records identify Peter and Sohair Mbeng as his parents. Mbeng developed from […]
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Pelle Larsson comes from a basketball family that helped shape his journey from Nacka, Sweden, to the NBA. Born on February 23, 2001, the Miami Heat guard is the son of Christian and Frida Larsson. His father played professional basketball in Sweden and represented the Swedish national team, while his older brother, Vilgot Larsson, also […]
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